As the shadow approaches, Gamble recoils backwards. He instinctively shifts towards the pillar, pushing back against Joseph in an effort to stay away from the floating horror. Seeing the chilling attack on his friend Snaggle, however, gives him renewed resolve.

Despite the close proximity of the shadow, Gamble begins casting, being unable to take a step out of the creature's range. The gnome does not bother trying to cast defensively, as he does not want to take the chance of his spell failing. Still, if the shadow becomes distracted by Gamble's spellcasting and attacks, it has the benefit of giving Snaggle a window to retreat.

The bard concentrates, stretching out the free hand on his buckler-arm. Hopefully, he sees the item in the fire twitch and begin floating back toward him.

Another tendril-like arm of the shadow snakes its way away from the dark cloud, through the lighter fire-smoke, and towards Gamble. The trail of clawed shadow begins coiling around the outstretched arm of the concentrating bard. Suddenly, the claws strike into the gnome's arm, causing him to whimper even as he tries to maintain his spell.

Despite the stiffness and heaviness he now feels in his arm and hand, Gamble does not waver in his attempt to retrieve the magical item from the fire pit. He smiles when he sees movement, having maintained his concentration despite the attack.

Your resolve pays off. Everyone sees a dagger, in remarkable condition despite the fire, rise from the flames, before darting across the room to land in Gamble's outstretched palm. The leather grip has been charred to almost nothing, and the handle is very warm to the touch. The blade, which is still in fine condition, looks very hot.

Edit

Apparently, I missed some crucial rules text about mage hand, despite having discussed this very thing before. However, see the new House Rule.

As its potential victims begin fleeing its domain, the shadow moves in to finish off Snaggle, attempting to drain every drop of life still remaining in the kobold. The shadow envelops Snaggle. Though a layer of force is all that stands between him and certain undeath, this layer of force proves to be enough... for now.